camille + alex | an intimate, memorable wedding at rawlings + bluebird cocktail room

Celebrating their unique love story in a serene and intimate way that was “easy but elegant, laid back but still polished”, Camille + Alex’s micro wedding at Rawlings Conservatory and the Bluebird Cocktail Room was exactly that and more…

In 2018, they found themselves volunteering side by side at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. Alex, dedicated to the fire and rescue side, and Camille, tirelessly serving on the EMS team, shared Sunday nights together. Yet, their paths rarely intersected until fate intervened.

Fast forward to 2020, when Alex’s life took an unexpected turn. He accidentally adopted Boris, a spirited German Shepherd who became a catalyst for change. One Monday morning, Alex invited Camille for a hike—a simple invitation that would alter the course of their lives forever.

Their morning hikes became a tradition and with each step, they discovered more about each other—their dreams, fears, and the quiet spaces where love takes root. The trails grew longer and as the seasons changed, so did their hearts.

Camille + Alex’s micro wedding was an ode to simplicity and authenticity. These were some of my favorite moments:

1. Alex wore a three piece dark green suit from Spier and Mackay while Camille wore a modest v-neck dress with a simple waltz length veil.

2. Alex’s family surprised him by flying his grandmother in all the way from Poland to witness their wedding ceremony. It was absolutely heartwarming to see the love and excitement they shared!

3. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Boris walked down the aisle, his eyes (and tail) smiling in approval.

4. Camille and Alex exchanged vows against the glass walls of the historic Rawlings Conservatory with trailing greenery hanging above and an heirloom family ring box to hold their rings.

5. The ceremony echoed with laughter, tears, and promises as they sang two short celebratory songs from Camille and Alex’s childhood: the Shehecheyanu, a traditional Jewish prayer and Sto Lat, a traditional Polish song, at the end of the ceremony. Both are sung to celebrate special occasions, express gratitude and bestow good wishes, good health and long life.

6. Alex stomped on the glass as done in the Jewish tradition and all 16 guests shared in a champagne toast at the end of the ceremony.

7. Camille’s aunt Betsy made a small wedding cake dripping in chocolate ganache and adorned with fall flowers.

As the sun began to set, the celebration moved to the Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden for drinks, cocktails, mingling and dinner. Drinks were flowing, laughter was echoing across the room and charcuterie was enjoyed before friends and family toasted Camille and Alex with stories, memories and words of wisdom.

Camille and Alex, the joy you radiate towards each other and also among your family and friends is so heartwarming and refreshing. You’ve shared so much together but the best is truly yet to come - I can’t wait to see all the adventures you embark on together (with Boris)! Being a part of your wedding day was incredibly meaningful, special and rewarding in more ways than one; thank you for making me feel like a part of your families!

L’Chaim and Moje Gratulacje!

xo,
Naomi

afryea + shaquille | a spring elopement in downtown baltimore and druid hill park

Afryea and Shaquille are the definition of soulmates that compliment each other in every way!

Their intimate Baltimore elopement took place on one of the coldest days we’ve had this spring so far (it was 36 degrees and flurried earlier that morning!), but you’d never know while looking at the photos… they exude joy, happiness and respect for each other, while being the perfect amount of quiet and thoughtfully contemplative (Shaquille) combined with energetic excitement and bubbly radiance (Afryea).

The sun was shining bright and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to document a love story like theirs! The world needs more of their kind of love.

Afryea and Shaquille got ready and had an intimate, heartfelt ceremony at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront downtown with their families witnessing the love, excitement and memorable vows they shared.

I was OBSESSED with both the minimal yet gorgeous pearl jewelry Afryea incorporated into her bridal look, complimenting the low back, soft lace dress she wore as well as Shaquille’s powder blue suit and floral tie.

Shaquille’s close friend Jim officiated and there was no shortage of laughs, happy tears, warm blessings by each family member and excitement for their future together. All of their words brought me to tears behind the camera!

Their expressions in the photo above (one of my favorites!) was brought to you by the best comment by Afryea’s dad: “you all could be a toothpaste commercial!” He’s not wrong!!

After the ceremony we took portraits in Druid Hill Park which had so many beautiful spring buds and blossoms opening up and matching blue skies to Shaq’s suit… it was almost like they planned it that way! ;)

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and never-ending joy together as you continue to grow as a couple and start your life as newlyweds in New Orleans; you already have an incredible foundation with all the love from your families and your roots in Baltimore and NY!

Thank you for trusting me to document your wedding day - it was an absolute honor!!

xo,
Naomi

megan + anthony | a snowy winter wedding on valentine's day

On a cold, snowy Valentine’s Day in Maryland, Megan + Anthony became husband and wife in an intimate church ceremony after getting ready at home alongside their pups and closest friends and family. Their property looked exceptionally beautiful covered in a blanket of snow!

Megan’s lace gown was simply perfect accessorized with pearl earrings, a pearl hair clip and a cathedral veil with lace edging. Her bridesmaids wore various shades of blush and burgundy that looked so elegant against the bright white backdrop of snow and their light blue garage doors! Anthony’s touch of warmth and a fun pattern came from a bit of plaid in his scarf, that complimented his vibrant navy blue suit.

These next few images might be my favorites of their wedding day… the kind of candid laughter you can’t make up and getting ready moments that came together so beautifully!

As I clicked the shutter, I remember thinking Megan’s expression was 100% worth whatever random weird thing I said to make her crack up. :)

Working with Jacs of Beauty by Jacs was so effortless; she is immensely talented at her craft (just look at Megan’s makeup!) and one of the sweetest vendors and humans I’ve ever worked with!!

After they officially became newlyweds, we went back to their house for a few pics with the pups (they had TWO #urbanrowpup sweeties!) and Megan changed into a beautiful floor length red gown for their intimate dinner reception… they did get married on Valentine’s Day, after all!

Congratulations to you both, Mr. + Mrs. Walker!! I absolutely loved being a part of your special day and meeting Percy and Savannah, who absolutely stole the show… ;)

Makeup: Beauty by Jacs
Shoes: Kate Spade Keds
Florals: Forever Floral
Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal
Cake: Dulce Cakes
Church: Piney Grove Methodist Church
Dinner: Michael’s Cafe in White Marsh

victoria + nial | a colorful mini wedding in downtown baltimore

Victoria and Nial have a love story that all started on a Baltimore bench (after initially meeting on Bumble!). These two share the sweetest love and admiration for each other while also appreciating the importance and love of family, connection and good food. I’m SO excited to share their micro wedding and courthouse elopement with you!! It’s full of tons of color, modern details and my favorite portrait locations in Baltimore!

“On New Years Eve we were going to a comedy show and I told her we would walk to this taco spot before for dinner. She didn’t know this would happen and she invited a friend to join us. I told him the plan and asked him to try to get some photos. Then while passing our bench I asked her to take a picture with me on the bench and then proposed.

She was surprised. Speechless for a bit. And said YES! We went to eat tacos and the comedy show. I don’t think she could stop smiling. She cried only as it sunk in, as we were having tacos. She didn’t want the tears to ruin her makeup…”

How incredibly gorgeous is Victoria’s bouquet?! So colorful while also being soft, elegant, romantic and not too bold… LOVE!!!

OBSESSED, actually.

A beautiful day for a stroll and some portraits in Patterson Park near the pagoda, just down the street from where they call home… city life and love at its finest.

After leaving Patterson Park, we stopped at this bench on the corner of Eastern + Wolfe St. in Upper Fells; this is the same bench where Victoria + Nial first met and later on, where he surprised Victoria and proposed! It was only fitting to have it flowered and full of lush color and a super romantic look for photos, by Steelcut Flower Co. Their #urbanrowpup Raffi even got in on the blooms with his own floral collar!

Our last stop of the day was in Fells, for portraits on the water at Broadway Pier before the happy couple celebrated with cocktails and dinner at the Pendry. But first, what celebration would be complete without popping champagne?!

Sending you all the love and congratulations as you continue getting used to calling each other husband and wife, Victoria and Nial! You planned such a flawless day with so many lovely ways to celebrate how your Baltimore love story came to be!

xo,
Naomi

…huge thanks to this talented team!

florals: Steelcut Flower Co.
dress: Calvin Klein
suit: Calvin Klein
videography: Adam Green
dinner reception: Sagamore Pendry
ceremony: Baltimore City courthouse

emily + tim | an Italian-inspired garden soiree wedding under the stars

From the moment Emily’s mom reached out a week before their intimate wedding to see if I was available, I felt like a part of the family.

Since their original plans of a destination wedding in Italy had to change, this front porch wedding at the bride’s aunt and uncle’s home in Roland Park was not only planned in a few short weeks, but was an incredibly intimate and heartfelt ceremony that celebrated what really means the most: being able to gather together with immediate family (the bride has 4 brothers!) and enjoy a relaxing meal under the stars, on a warm summer night.

Emily got dressed and ready in her mom’s home; as soon as I walked in to see this grand staircase in the foyer, I knew portraits needed to happen here. I honestly have no words… Emily, you were such a stunning bride in that modern yet timeless low-back dress.

One of the benefits of having such a small and intimate ceremony at home is the ability to take portraits with your dog before leaving for the ceremony! Emily’s dog was the perfect pup - so excited to be with her and so sweet and photogenic!!

Are they not the most beautiful couple with the most classically elegant style!? Loved having the wraparound porch behind them for photos where the ceremony took place among lush white and green florals and white lanterns leading up the steps. Their ringbearer nephews definitely stole the show (and my heart)!

All of the guests were seated at one long table in the garden with gold votives and candleholders, white candles in glass hurricanes, greenery garland, cream-colored roses, eucalyptus, white peonies, magnolia leaves and more white blooms making up the lush floral centerpieces. Menus at each placesetting were tied with a white bow and tucked with a sprig of rosemary; as a nod to the bride’s Italian heritage, each menu course was listed in Italian (aperitivo, primi, secondo, dolce).

This adorable wedding cake was made by Bramble Baking Co. and decorated with herbs, fresh edible flowers and white ranunculus and baby’s breath along the base.

Congratulations again Emily and Tim!! I was so honored to document your intimate wedding and be a part of your family’s celebration! The details were exquisite, the heartfelt speeches brought tears to my eyes and the love shared was palpable.

Wishing you perfect weather and festive family-filled Italian meals together for decades to come! Salute!!

xo,
Naomi

beauty: No Filter Glam
gown: Agnes by Peter Langner
custom veil + dress boutique: Gamberdella Boutique
cake: Bramble Baking Co.

guienen + ed | a romantic summer mini wedding on the bay

Guienen and Ed were married at Herrington on the Bay during one of the hottest days of the year, but you’d never know it! They were such an incredibly patient couple with all of my ideas for portraits at this beautiful garden venue on the Chesapeake Bay… July weddings aren’t for the faint at heart when it comes to the humidity and heat!

I loved this spot for their first look - Ed was such a calm and cool groom waiting for his beautiful bride!!

Sadie, was the best flower pup in all the land! She set the bar high for all future #urbanrowpup wedding party members; we couldn’t have done it without the help of the Furever & Fur Always dog care team!!

Guienen’s bridesmaids wore stunning summer sage green Jenny Yoo Inesse dresses in a watercolor floral print paired with bouquets of a single flower variety: ranunculus, lisianthus and roses to complete the modern, elegant and romantic bayside look.

The beaded detail on Guienen’s Enaura gown was absolutely stunning while shimmering and sparkling in the sun; the pattern added a soft, subtle, whimsical touch to her bridal look!

I loved Guienen’s color palette and vision for the intimate dinner tablescape; farmhouse tables paired with white chiavari chairs, white vases, white flowers and white hand-lettered (all by the bride!) hosta leaf escort cards, brought the modern bayside look together in an understated and elegant way! The focaccia provided just the right pop of mustard yellow to coordinate and compliment the vases.

Cheers, newlyweds!! Can’t wait to celebrate together even bigger next July!

xo,
Naomi

gown: Enaura Bridal Style #Beau from Garnish Boutique
bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Inesse dress in Morning Mist Multi from BHLDN
flowers: Love & Luster Floral
groom and groomsmen attire: Tuxedo House
hair and makeup: Up Dos for I Dos
wedding day dog care: Furever & Fur Always
Sadie’s flower collar + ceremony scrapbook: bride’s mom, Colleen Barrett
venue + caterer: Herrington on the Bay
personalized family name sign: mrc wood products

erin + nick | a floral-filled and heartfelt backyard wedding in maryland

There were so many incredible moments and details to love about Erin + Nick’s micro wedding, but my favorite may be how far they’ve come together, from their first meeting in sixth grade! 13 years later to the day they officially told each other how they felt, they were married in the backyard where Nick grew up and his parents still live.

6 UNFORGETTABLE ELEMENTS OF THIS
BACKYARD WEDDING:

1. June 13, 2007 was their first date. June 13, 2020 was the day they got married. 13 is Nick’s lucky number… and probably Erin’s a bit now too ;).

2. Erin’s floral print wedding dress from Lulu’s (it’s this one!)

3. The hanging white flowers atop the gazebo made for such a stunning ceremony backdrop - love the simplicity of all white florals.

4. They asked each guest to write them a message and include a photo so that they could all “be there in spirit with us” (scroll down to see the seated porch photo!) and their family assembled and arranged everyone of them into a book.

5. Nick’s best friend Ethan officiated the ceremony… they’ve known each other since 2 years old, when they moved to the same street.

6. Erin + Nick recited their own vows and then each of their parents read at the ceremony. Nick’s brother made a toast. With smaller weddings, meaningful and personalized details like that are possible! No rules anymore!

Congratulations again, Erin + Nick!! I couldn’t be happier for you two and am honored to have been able to document your incredibly sweet love story! Here’s to your first of two wedding day celebrations!

xo,
Naomi

kim + joe | an intimate summer wedding at stone gables estate

Falling in love while quarantined during Covid, Kim and Joe knew very quickly that they had a special connection and were meant to be together…

Celebrating at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, PA provided a beautiful and serene setting with multiple ceremony backdrops to choose from for their summer micro wedding. Kim and Joe stayed at the Liberty Spring House and chose to have their intimate ceremony overlooking the lake, adjacent to the historic Star Barn.

Sharing a love of dogs, this sweet, thoughtful and loving couple wanted to celebrate their unique love story among a close group of friends and family and I was absolutely honored to be a part of it! Their energy, emotion and smiles just say it all. Kim has this incredible laugh that makes you feel so welcome and at ease… and Joe has this quiet, goodhearted nature about him that makes you want nothing but the best for such a wonderful couple.

Kim shared with me that something Joe dreamed about since he was a boy, was to find a woman that he wanted to buy a Tiffany’s ring for… not only do they each now have Tiffany’s rings, Joe’s daughter Danielle wore a beautiful dress that carried a Tiffany’s blue ombre tone throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we explored part of the 275 acre property up near the barn, taking photos in front of the stunning iron gate enclosing St. Michael’s vineyard and the Grande Gazebo as well as in and around the stunning Star Barn.

Congratulations, newlyweds!! You chose one of the most serene, picturesque and relaxing venues to start your married life together; I can’t wait to see where your relationship takes you and am so grateful to have been able to document your memories!

xo,
Naomi

katie + zach | an intimate outdoor micro wedding in maryland

When Zach mentioned one of the many things he loves about Katie, I’ll never forget his response being: “When Katie smiles, she smiles so much that her eyes close shut.”

You can see exactly what Zach’s talking about, in the moment when they were officially announced as husband and wife at their intimate elopement and micro wedding ceremony (on their original Memorial Day weekend wedding date!). Katie’s entire face lights up and fills with so much joy, it’s absolutely contagious to everyone in her presence…

Let’s back up a minute though because their love story and journey to this May wedding day is one to celebrate in and of itself! If you haven’t already seen their Bmore Licks + Fells Point engagement photos, check them out HERE - make sure you read the story of how they met and how Zach proposed; it involves a scavenger hunt through Baltimore that ended with the sweetest handmade wooden ring box made by Zach + Katie’s dad together!

Here are 6 moments from Katie + Zach’s heartfelt mini wedding ceremony in Maryland, that will give you all the feels (you’ve been warned!):

1. Zach’s emotional reaction as Katie walked down the aisle brought me to tears - as recent graduates from medical school while dating long distance, they found out a few weeks ago that they matched for residency at Johns Hopkins and will be able to work and live together in the same city for the first time in 3.5 years!

2. Their brief ceremony was officiated by their pastor, Ian of St. Moses Church in Baltimore, and was the perfect compliment to their personalities and relationship; weaving elements of religion, humor, love and kindness.

3. The wood arbor they got married under overlooked the waterfront in Cecil County and reminded them of where they got engaged, on a bench in Fells Point, overlooking the Baltimore harbor.

4. Both Katie and Zach’s moms contributed heirloom elements from their own weddings to incorporate in the celebration, including a vintage cake topper, the lace flowers incorporated on Katie’s veil, sapphire earrings made from her grandmother’s ring, a wood card box Katie’s dad made for the occasion and cupcakes for the small gathering of family and friends, since cupcakes have been a part of their relationship since the beginning.

5. Katie surprised Zach with a meaningful engraving inside his ring and a beautiful new wooden watch.

6. Right after they were married, both moms and dads got the biggest hug from both Katie and Zach and I just love how much heartfelt and warm energy the entire elopement had among it! The photo below of both moms walking up to congratulate them is my absolute favorite.

After the ceremony, they walked down the mini aisle and were greeted by a small group of friends and family there to help them celebrate (safely distanced and with masks on) their newlywed status!

Congratulations again, lovebirds, I was honored to be a part of your mini wedding and elopement!! I love that you were able to get married on your original wedding date and will now have this as your official anniversary in addition to the future party planned at Rosewood Farms!

xo,
Naomi

an emotional + joyful courthouse elopement

This is the week that should have been Laura + Garrison’s wedding week (it’s been rescheduled for July thanks to COVID-19), and they’re on my mind so often that I thought it was a perfect time to finally share these photos with you! In fact, it’s couples like them that remind me how many layers there are to what’s happening in the world right now. They make me so grateful for all of the support, kindness, warmth and grace that I’ve been lucky to experience in our industry along with so many other small business owners.

Laura + Garrison’s wedding was the first of many that will be rescheduled and postponed to occur later this year. It was (like all of the weddings we’re a part of) one that I had been looking forward to for so long for so many reasons, not the least of which was that it was going to be at the Accelerator Space with an incredible vendor team!

Throughout all of the ups and downs they’ve experienced in recent months, this single photo from their elopement says it all. They are a constant ray of sunshine, a perfect team and a couple that bring joy to so many friends and family!

Despite growing up in the same zip code, and having a ton of mutual friends, Laura + Garrison had never met before matching on Tinder in May 2016. Their first date was during happy hour in Federal Hill. They have such a natural chemistry together that was so much fun to document in and around the Baltimore Country Courthouse as they eloped on a mid-November day - which happened to also be the same date as Laura’s dad’s birthday!

Garrison planned such an incredibly sweet proposal, I’ll let Laura tell you how that all happened:

“Garrison said he would plan something nice for our 3 year anniversary a few months back. He never gave any details except that he had booked an overnight getaway at an undisclosed location. On our way to the surprise spot, Garrison drove north, south, east, and west to throw me off so I couldn't guess where we were going. 20 minutes later, we arrive at the most BEAUTIFUL house surrounded by gardens, which turns out to be about 7 minutes from our apartment in Austin. Inside, there were framed pictures of us, candles, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Gare also got a nice bottle of champagne and a fancy charcuterie board (our favorite). He told me we had dinner reservations, so I made sure to dress up. He suggested we walk through the gardens, and as we were walking, Garrison tells me how amazing the last 3 years have been and says all of the sweetest things. As we walk down from the balcony and turn the corner, he gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him. I said Yes! (obviously) and a photographer comes out from behind a bush, and we proceed to do a 1 hour engagement photoshoot that Garrison planned!! It was absolutely perfect! After the pictures, Garrison made me dinner, played a love song playlist he had prepared, and we had the most perfect night celebrating together.”

Not only are they both so at ease when together, but when asked what they love about each other, it brought tears to my eyes…

“I love the way she makes me feel, I love how driven she is, and I love the way she laughs…”

“My favorite thing about Garrison is his thoughtfulness and how genuinely good of a person he is; not just to me, but to everyone…”

In Laura’s words, the reason behind the elopement…

“Shortly after we got engaged last Fall, we received some serious news about my dad’s health. To ensure he’d be able to be there to see us get married, we decided to have a small ceremony at the courthouse with our families. We got married on November 18, 2019- my dad’s birthday. Not only did I get to marry the love of my life on an already celebratory day, but I was able to have the experience of my dad walking me down the ‘aisle’ on a day when he was feeling healthy, which is a true blessing.”

This was my first Baltimore County courthouse elopement and I loved how intimate and special it was to stand alongside Laura + Garrison’s immediate family and witness their vows. Beaming smiles and radiant joy were a theme throughout their courthouse elopement from the moment they arrived to the moment they were married and twirling in front of the historic courthouse in those vibrant blue heels and elegant tulle skirt…

I hope more couples embrace this idea, especially in light of COVID-19. Why not elope now with a really short and sweet civil ceremony and then plan a meaningful party for more friends and family later? HINT: if you do go this route, I’m happy to swap your ‘engagement session’ for photos of your elopement!

Cheers, lovebirds! We CAN NOT WAIT for July - it’s going to be better than you can imagine!

xo,
Naomi

planning: The Otherside Creatives
florals: Thurman & Fig